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Mira, Feb 2003, 23.95, 3204 pp. ISBN: 155166691X In Pleasant View, California, Gloria Wayne reports to the police that her twenty-three years old daughter April is missing. This would be minor local news except that April is an intern working for State Senator Eric Barry. The disappearance of April becomes a media event especially when she was seen the night before she vanished in Sacramento having a drink with Eric. The police believe that Eric not only had an affair with April and probably other women, but also when pushed for more, he killed her. However, the evidence is not there to prove their contention but Gloria is determined to make Eric pay. Eric's wife Suzanne and their two adult daughters initially believe in him, but begin having doubts that they even know whom he is as circumstantial evidence proves Eric is a philanderer. Still, no information surfaces that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Eric killed April even if his reelection effort is hampered by the implications. Though a well written, quite exciting suspense thriller somewhat supported by Condit-Levy, sub-genre fans will feel a bit cheated by the fully cleaned up climax with no doubts that justice was served. The tale moves briskly forward through a deep look by the characters mostly impacted by the missing April. Most interesting are Eric who feels unfairly besieged and Suzanne who changes from a supporting spouse into a doubting Thomasina. Bonnie Hearn Hill provides thriller fans with a tale from the headlines that though too immaculately wrapped up will give plenty of satisfaction to readers. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of story - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) Time/era of story: Murder of certain profession? Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Any non-mystery subplot? descript. of violence and chases - 10 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - jealousy How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting United States Yes The US: - California Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |
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